The whole trip is quite hard to describe, we did so much and saw so many things. There are too many memories, laughs and treasured moments that I don't know where to begin. I will try and sum up the trip for you, although you probably never will see how much this trip has opened my eyes, and all the wonderful experiences it's given me.
It started by arriving in Cape Town, and spending the first week in Stellenbosch. This place is beautiful, full o little boutique- esque shops, wine farms, amazing mountains, awesome local pubs and friendly people. This week was mostly about birthdays, dinners, pub nights, family and knitting. I learnt how to knit the third day, and managed to finish my own scarf a week later! (so proud). Got a bit too drunk one night, but it was my boys birthday so it's all good. =)
We also went four wheel driving in the sand dunes - I drove a little bit and I didn't roll the car whoohoo! I also learned how to shoot an air rifle, and actually hit the target. Enemies watch out.
After this week we packed up two Hilux cars and began our drive towards Johannesburg, where we were meeting my parents. Two days later we were on our way to the Kruger National Park (yes, the park your have all heard about, with all the wild animals stretching 600ks from top to bottom... COOL!) It was so good to see Mammi and Pappi again, I miss them ever so. And not to mention lil brother. I don't eel complete without him. Once in the Kruger we got to our first camp, and set off straight away to look fr animals. You have to be back at your camp at 5pm because they close the gates, to keep people from getting lost in the dark with all the lions... hehe. The first day we saw Impala, Buffalo, Rhino, Giraffes, Zebras, Kudu, a few Eagles, Crocodiles, Hippos, Waterbuck, a monitor Lizard, Monkeys... and probably more. We stayed in "tents" that were basically little self-contained houses but with a tent roof. Amazing! At night we went to our parent's house for a braai. (South African style BBQ - YUM.)
The remaining 4 days we had in the Kruger were all about the animals - we were out every morning by 6 or 7 and saw so much. We had spotted the Big Five by midday on our second day, which is apparently very lucky. Some people don't see much at all when they go. We saw Elephants, Lions, Leopards (very rare), Desert Foxes, Wildabeast, Fishing Eagles, Ostriches, Hyenas, Vulchers, Baboons... the list goes on and on. All were equally amazing, but I love the Leopards and the Giraffes...
On our way back from the Kruger (3 days drive back to Cape Town) we stopped at the highest Bungy in the world called the Bloukrans bungy. It's 214 m high, making it a no-go for at least me, but my brother and Mareli both jumped... I get goosbumps just thinking about it...!
Back in the Cape Stef took us up to Table Mountain, which was absolutely fabulous. Oh and also, on the road back to the Cape we stopped at an ostrich farm, where I got to feed one... let me tell you that they are actually quite intimidating! I was struggling to keep my hand in place when it was about to peck on me..!
To sum up the story, I was very emotional leaving SA. I had so much fun and loved the simplicity of life there so much that I didn't want to leave it. I caught myself thinking of going back to Sydney, the big city life which is fun, but is sometimes just so fake and superficial. I love Sydney, but sometimes you just need a break and begin to appreciate the things that really matter in life. I felt that on that trip I had everything. I was having fun, I had my family, my brother, always something to do, and I had Stef. Think we're already planning our next trip back, in about a year. Can't wait.
